Quentin Howard Sandler

It is with great sadness that the children of Quentin H. Sandler announce the passing of their father at

the age of 100 years old. For 67 years, he was the beloved husband of the late Sydell Sandler and is

predeceased by his brother, Robert Sandler (Marion) of Delray Beach, FL. and his sister, Joan Musen of

Peabody, MA

Quentin was born in Lawrence, Massachusetts. He had fond memories of his years at Bordentown Military

Institute in New Jersey and of attending Boston University before joining his father’s business, Sandler’s

Department Store in his hometown. Sydell was the love of his life and they met in Miami Beach

when he was 19 and she was 15. They tied the knot on August 25 1941 in Brooklyn, New York, Sydell’s

hometown. When he was called to serve in the U.S. Army, Sydell faithfully followed him to every military

camp he was assigned until his deployment overseas in 1944. After the war, they settled in Miami Beach

where they raised their three children: daughter, Sherry and twins, Gail and Gary.

From his early years, Quentin was full of entrepreneurial acumen and passion, which eventually led him

to a lifelong career in the screen printing business. Sherry Fashions was established in 1948 which later

became Sherry Mfg. Company, and was one of the nation’s leading screen printers of souvenir apparel.

Starting with Florida souvenir scarves, tablecloths and later, ladies sportswear, Sherry’s future success

was in souvenir T-shirts, sweatshirts, beach towels and hats. In the beginning, all screen printing was

done by hand. But in 1958, the company moved to its current location after a fire completely destroyed

its previous facility. Because of Quentin’s vision, Sherry Mfg. became the first company to convert to

state-of-the-art automatic silkscreen printing equipment. They were licensed by Disney and also produced

their products to the Disney parks. As the business expanded, their licensing division expanded

as well and would later include Warner Brothers and other licenses. Through a network of sales representatives,

Sherry Mfg. distributed its products nationwide and overseas to resorts, theme parks, cruise

lines and airport retailers.

Quentin was very proud of the business he built and there was nothing he liked more than to invite his

cousins and friends for tours of the factory, and then giving them samples to take home. Additionally, he

stocked the trunk of his car with Mickey Mouse T-shirts, sweatshirts and hats which he lovingly gave out

to local friends and acquaintances. That was who he was. Shortly after he retired, the torch was passed

to his son Gary, and in later years, to his grandson Scott. Sherry Mfg remains one of the nation’s leading

screen printers in the souvenir apparel business.

As a true New Englander, Quentin was down-to-earth. He loved the Miami Hurricanes and the Miami

Dolphins but was always a Red Sox and Patriots fan at heart. He had a strong connection to his faith,

enjoying Friday night services at Temple Beth Shalom and listening to Yiddish music in his car. Most

people who knew him will remember him as one of the great storytellers, especially telling Jewish jokes.

He loved his family and would organize reunions and plan cruises to bring everyone together. On his

70th birthday, he had sweatshirts made for the entire family with the saying, “Still A Kid” because in fact,

he himself was still a kid. His children and grandchildren will lovingly remember him for his playful spirit

and his generous heart.

Quentin’s favorite place in the world was his second home in Salisbury Beach, MA, which had been in

the family since 1915, and where he went every summer since the day he was born. He loved going

down the street to the Center, a little slice-of-heaven for kids. He loved sharing the fun with his children

and grandchildren, taking them to ride roller coasters and bumper cars, and playing pin ball and skee

ball in the arcade where they collected tickets that you could turn in for toys at the end of the summer.

He loved eating lobster, clams and pizza while insisting everyone leave room for ice cream, and shared

these experiences with whomever came to visit. And when the kids and grandchildren came to visit, he

would have Dunkin’ Donuts waiting for them every morning. These are just some of the special memories

the entire family will keep close to their hearts.

He is survived by his children: Sherry Zimand (Arthur), Gary Sandler (Shellie) and Gail Reiss; his adoring

grandchildren: Stacey Schweiger (David), Scott Coltune (Shari), Steven Sandler, Amy Sandler, Dana

Sandler (Austin McMahon), Adam Reiss (Ali), Kristen Sakuri (Atzmon), Jamie Fishman (Gregg), Shawn

Reiss (Danielle) and his 13 great-grandchildren: Olivia and Jack Schweiger, Brandon and Robbi Coltune,

Kuryn Witlin (Robbie), Ash and Maddox Sandler, Tyler and Rory McMahon, Ari and Dylan Sakuri, and

Scarlett and Avery Fishman. The family would also like to thank Nelly Saenz and Karla Severe for the

wonderful and loving care they gave Quentin during his final years.